Field Trip #1: Campus Trail

We began our field trip walking through the beautiful FGCU campus. At each stop, I learned something new. I learned that the bodies of water on campus are all connected, I know what the purpose of the solar panels are now, and much more! While walking toward the freshman dorms, it started to rain. I was completely unprepared for the rain, as was the rest of the class, and we all got a little wet before our actual trek through the marshes.

It had been raining almost everyday before our field trip which meant the ground was very moist. As we began walking the trail through the woods, the water level fluctuated from squishy to knee-deep. I was very worried that I was going to slip in the mud on the floor and fall into the water. Because it was later in the evening, the bugs were out; so at the end of the field trip, I had my fair share of bug bites.

I learned that there was a fire on campus about 7 years ago. We also talked about the importance of fires and how dangerous the underbrush can be if it is not taken care of. I also learned the difference between a sabal palm and a saw palmetto. A sabal palm is the palm tree that is all over our campus. A saw palmetto is a small bush with saw-like leaves that grows in groups.

<----- Sabal Palm
Saw Palmetto ----->




I enjoyed this field trip because it taught me a few things that I would have never known. I wish it was a little dryer outside but I can't do anything about the weather. I am looking forward to our other field trips for this class.